Trends in long day care services for children in Australia, 1991-99

The report provides comprehensive information on Commonwealth supported long day care services (long day care centres and family day care services) during the 1990s - a period in which there was enormous growth in the number of service providers and in children using these services. Detailed information is presented on service provision, such as the supply of places for young children, access to preschool programs, hours of service operation, and fees charged. Characteristics of children's use of long day care services are examined, including age, the amount of time children spend in care, and the reasons they are in care. The report also discusses staffing of services, particularly the qualifications and training levels of workers.